AARP Survey Results on Oral Health in Older Americans

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) released the results of a survey investigating the challenges of oral healthcare in the elderly population. Despite results reporting 93% of respondents ages 65 and older value having healthy teeth and gums, more than a third of respondents had not seen a dentist in more than a year. Cost was reported as the chief barrier to care, with 55% reporting no dental coverage and 34% citing the lack of insurance as the reason they delayed or did not receive dental care.